Shauna Zamora

When I think of the great work that Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) does, I think of my mother, Ella Mae Freiwald. It is because of her that I am a financial supporter of CAP. I didn’t grow up knowing about CAP, but my mother was a donor even back then. She had three main charities that she gave to on a regular basis and CAP was one of them. When I was in a position to select my own charities to support, she highly recommended CAP. It was a local organization helping people in need in Appalachia.

My mother was a nurse, so was her sister. I just think that helping people was a part of who they were. She was active in the community and was involved in local organizations that focused on philanthropy. She was leading by her example, not only in her community, but at home. She was a role model and she worked to help a lot of people.

I wanted to be involved too, just like the example she had set. My mother taught me that service was very important. You had to be active in helping people that were in need. I learned from watching my mother give to her community that providing financial support to charities that are important to you works both ways. It is a benefit that helps people in need, but it also is good for your own soul. She imparted that to me.

I gave my first donation to CAP 30 years ago. I didn’t give monthly and I also supported other charities that were important to me. But none of them had ever reached out to me personally. Then, one day I received an email from Marci, a philanthropy officer at CAP. She eventually came to visit me and that blew me away. We have had several visits and I always enjoy my time with her. She genuinely loves her work and keeps me up to date on how CAP is transforming the lives of children and the elderly in Appalachia. It means a lot to me that CAP reaches out to let me know that I am helping to make a difference.

I am glad I get to be a donor because sometimes we all just need a little help. I know if I was having a difficult time, I would want someone to help me, to encourage me to keep the faith, to give me hope.

Since starting my visits with Marci, I have also learned about many other opportunities to support CAP including being a volunteer. When I retire in a few years, I plan to volunteer at CAP too. That is what reminds me of my mother. Give financially, but always be willing to do the work. My mother went into nursing to save lives. Service was very important to her. I am glad I get to honor her memory by supporting a charity that was important to her. CAP does important work, and I am glad that I get to be a part of it.